Gegard Mousasi will not be defending his light heavyweight title against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou but I wouldn't be placing any money on the Cameroonian banger. It's dangerous to play the transitive-property game buuuuuut - I'm going to do it anyway. Sokoudjou got taken out in the second round by "Babalu" Sobral; Sobral in turn was shredded by Mousasi (KO1, 1:00) in his next fight. The Armenian Assassin is patient enough to avoid Sokoudjou's deadly opening salvo, which is just about all he's shown in his career so far. Look for Mousasi to tear through RTS and add to his growing reputation at 205 pounds.
Finally, Fabricio Verdum battles Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva in a fight that could determine the Fedor/Rogers winner's next opponent (hopefully for an interim title that sends a message to the absent Alistair Overeem). Silva has a slight striking advantage and a size advantage, but Verdum's jiujitsu should obliterate Silva on the ground. Look for Fabricio to stick a takedown and finish Silva quickly.
In a month where even uncommitted MMA fans can get their fix from a variety of free sources, we're in for a treat this weekend. Between the Strikeforce card and UFC's main event counterprogramming, there's enough action to make my TiVo very, very happy for hours. The only limitation on your party is the amount of friends you can fit on your couch and the beer you can fit in your fridge.
Preach on, my brothers. Make a few converts Saturday night. And show them off the finest Russian fighter to come Stateside since Drago killed Apollo.
Image from GrappleArts.com.
Article comments
1 - John
Good article, but I'd like to point out some small mistake.
Fedor never lost to Big Nog, the fight was ruled a NC due to the accidental headbutt.
2 - Critic
LOL get your facts straight before you write an article!
3 - MDT
You're absolutely right: I had written "blemishes" meaning to say no-contest for the Nog fight and then for some reason put decision loss. I'll get that corrected.
4 - UFC Notes
I think Fedor wins via submission quick in the 1sr round over Rogers. I think Rogers' only chance of winning is landing a huge knockout blow (like Henderson did at UFC 100). But I just dont see that happening. Fedor is way too skilled and will take this to the ground and will win quickly.
5 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
There really shouldn't be any doubt in anyone's mind about Fedor now! Rogers was supposed to be the "Emperor Killer" because a lot of UFC Fanboys, er..I mean MMA fans felt that Fedor has only been victorious over "cans" previously (I guess they never watched him fight in Pride). BUT, this was a clear victory with a brutal knockout in the second round!
Fedor was correct in saying that Rodgers is a great fighter and he does have a lot of talent,but, a second match would only prove that Rodgers doesn't have the experience to deal with such a warrior. AND, Rodgers needs to learn some sportsmanship, class & respect before they give him another shot!
I really don't see Brock Lesnar lasting too long in the ring with Fedor.